Readers' letters

MORONS ARE NOT WELCOME

Dear Ed, — Living in Abu Dhabi UAE I like to keep up to date with what is happening back at home.

However, I feel that today and the article I have just read vindicates my decision to depart my country for pastures new.

One day I will return but not until our country has been cleared of the scum that today rule our cities, towns and streets.

Today I have just read your article about Moat and as much as I understand that news sells newspapers I feel compelled to send this email complaining about the article.

Why do you feel the need to give space to a beast like Moat? What did he ever do to warrant space in any newspaper?

He took his stance and got his just desserts; unfortunately some innocent people had to, and still are, suffering for his actions.

As a human being he was a disgrace and not someone to be revered as some sort of hero. Something, in my opinion, you have allowed to happen.

Who are Lanark Young Team? Again, you gave space to whom? Some yob off the street who does more harm than good in today's society.

I for one would like to ask them to show themselves and, unless it is a sick joke that has gone wrong, would wish them the same fate as Moat!

No doubt they will not show themselves because they come from the same mould as Moat. The cowardly mould.

That may sound harsh but I have seen my fair share of senseless destruction and killing after almost 30 years in the British Armed Forces.

Those idiots who are making these comments should decide if they want to partake in our wonderful country or if they would rather live in a lawless society.

No doubt they will be the first to call the police, whom they wish dead, if they have an altercation with someone trying either to defend themselves or their property and who is willing to stand up to them. Believe you me I would without hesitation.

Let's hope the police take some action and find these morons. We should also make it clear that people like this are no longer welcome in our society. — Yours etc.,

NAME AND ADDRESS SUPPLIED.

GALL TO USE NAME

Dear Ed, — I was astonished and frankly disappointed to see in this week's edition of the Lanark Gazette the front page prominence given to a handful of hooligans — "fans" of the killer Raoul Moat — calling themselves Lanark Young Team.

They in no way represent the youth of our town even although they have the gall to use the word Lanark in their title.

Obviously the item has current relevance but this sick view has already been given adequate national coverage. It does not need to be given prime front page position in our local newspaper.

It is a well know fact that this type of conduct feeds upon publicity and notoriety. That is why they used Bebo.

The Gazette does not need to raise the level locally to accentuate an item of news which is an affront to citzens of the town and brings the town into disrepute.

What a difference to the the coverage of the Lanark Air Show centenary which only enhances the reputation of the town.

I had to look very hard to find the news item — excellent although it is — tucked away on page 9.

Come on Gazette; give us our local news in proper proportion. — Yours etc.,

T HENRY SHANKS,

Friarsfield Road,

Lanark.

DISTURBING NEWS

Dear Ed, — I was less than impressed by the lead headline in last week's Gazette.

I found it disturbing to find column space on the front page given to informing the readership that a local gang had appended sick messages to a networking site in praise of killer, Raoul Moat.

Why would that be considered worthy of any space at all? To add insult to injury, the photo of the killer was emblazoned on the page also.

This is amazing considering that the back page, traditionally for sport, had several stories of young achievers. Surely these youngsters could have had the front page acknowledgement which they richly deserved?

My view is that the Gazette should not go down the road of sensationalism worthy of journalism found in some of the national tabloids. It was a story on a 'need to know' basis and we certainly didn't need to know. — Yours etc.,

NAME AND ADDRESS SUPPLIED.

Editor's comment: The fact that a small, sad section of our community had been supporting Raoul Moat was, in my opinion, newsworthy.

Our article, in the main, contained statements from people — including the chairman of the Scottish Police Federation — slating those responsible.

The Gazette on a weekly basis features young peoples' achievements in all of our communities and is happy to do so.

However, by the same token, we cannot and should not ignore the bad.

Our article aimed to shame those responsible, not glorify them. I believe the headline alone testified to that, as did the tone of the article underneath it.

As for there being no 'need to know', I would argue that a community SHOULD know about these individuals.

In relation to the airshow centenary, a large picture was used on the front page and the caption underneath it directed readers to find out more on P9 — a full page rightly being dedicated to it.

PARKING WARNING

Dear Ed, — On August 2, I parked my car behind M & Co. When I returned, I found a parking ticket on my windscreen.

I then checked and discovered a notice against M & Co's premises stating that parking had to be in the painted spaces.

There is room outwith these spaces for at least five more cars, without causing any obstructions. If the notice had been placed at the entrance of the parking area then drivers, like myself, would know not to park in the unpainted area.

Perhaps this will warn other law-abiding drivers. — Yours etc.,

ELIZABETH MASON,

St Leonard Street,

Lanark.